Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Bushel » About one peck
and when men light a lamp, they do not put it under a bushel: but on the stand, to give light to all the family.
Verse Concepts
Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand?
Verse Concepts
However, when a man has once lighted his lamp, he does not hide it in a by-place, or under a bushel; but sets it on a stand, that all who come in may have light.
Verse Concepts
Hiding » That which has been hidden
therefore suspend your judgment till the Lord comes, who will bring to light the secrets of darkness, and expose the counsels of mens hearts: and then shall every man have his due reward from God.
Verse Concepts
for there is nothing conceal'd, which shall not be disclos'd; nothing secret, which shall not be made publick.
Verse Concepts
fear them not therefore: for there is nothing hid that shall not be revealed; or secret that shall not be made known.
Verse Concepts
Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? for there is nothing conceal'd but what shall be made manifest: nor was any thing kept secret, but in order to be divulged.
Now, no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel, or under a bed: but sets it on a stand, to give light to all the company. whatever is now obscure, shall hereafter be made clear; whatever is now conceal'd, shall then be publickly known.
Jesus Christ » History of » Parable of the sower (at lake galilee)
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side. and there was so great a croud of people got about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a bark, where he sat, while the people all stood on the shore. Then he talk'd to them much in parables, and said, a sower went out to sow. read more.
and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up: another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it. but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." but happy are you that your eyes have sight; and that your ears have their hearing. for I declare unto you, that many prophets and just men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen it: and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard it. Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure: but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses. he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful: but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another.
and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up: another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it. but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." but happy are you that your eyes have sight; and that your ears have their hearing. for I declare unto you, that many prophets and just men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen it: and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard it. Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure: but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses. he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful: but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another.
He began again to teach by the sea-side: but there was so great a crowd gathered about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a ship, where he sat down, and stay'd on board while the people stood on the shore. then he addressed himself to them in many parables, and thus began his instructions. give your attention to what I say, a sower went out to sow: as he sowed, read more.
some of the seed happened to fall by the wayside, which the birds light upon, and devoured. some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it soon sprang up, for want of a sufficient depth of earth. but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choaked it, so that it yielded no fruit. but part of it fell on good ground, which sprang up, and grew so fruitful, that some grains produced thirty, others sixty, and some an hundred. he that hath ears to hear, said he, let him hear. And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable. he answered, you are admitted into the secret of the gospel-dispensation: but to unbelievers every thing is couch'd in parables; because, tho' they see, they will not perceive, and tho' they hear they will not understand: as if they were afraid of parting with their vices, in order to be pardoned. but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest? the sower is he that soweth the word. they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. in like manner, they who receive seed on stony-ground, are such as upon hearing the word, do immediately receive it with joy. but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt. as for those, who receive seed as among thorns: they are such as hear the word. but the cares of this life, the deceitful love of riches, and a crowd of different passions, stifle the word, and it becomes unfruitful. they who receive seed as on good ground, are such as hear the word and entertain it, and bring forth fruit, some in one degree, and some in another. Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? for there is nothing conceal'd but what shall be made manifest: nor was any thing kept secret, but in order to be divulged. if any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And consider, said he, how you hear; for in proportion as you weigh what is communicated to you, new light shall be given: for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has.
some of the seed happened to fall by the wayside, which the birds light upon, and devoured. some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it soon sprang up, for want of a sufficient depth of earth. but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choaked it, so that it yielded no fruit. but part of it fell on good ground, which sprang up, and grew so fruitful, that some grains produced thirty, others sixty, and some an hundred. he that hath ears to hear, said he, let him hear. And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable. he answered, you are admitted into the secret of the gospel-dispensation: but to unbelievers every thing is couch'd in parables; because, tho' they see, they will not perceive, and tho' they hear they will not understand: as if they were afraid of parting with their vices, in order to be pardoned. but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest? the sower is he that soweth the word. they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. in like manner, they who receive seed on stony-ground, are such as upon hearing the word, do immediately receive it with joy. but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt. as for those, who receive seed as among thorns: they are such as hear the word. but the cares of this life, the deceitful love of riches, and a crowd of different passions, stifle the word, and it becomes unfruitful. they who receive seed as on good ground, are such as hear the word and entertain it, and bring forth fruit, some in one degree, and some in another. Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? for there is nothing conceal'd but what shall be made manifest: nor was any thing kept secret, but in order to be divulged. if any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And consider, said he, how you hear; for in proportion as you weigh what is communicated to you, new light shall be given: for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has.
A vast number of people being assembled, and crowding to him from all quarters, he thus address'd himself to them by way of parable. a husbandman went out to sow his corn: and as he was sowing, some fell upon the beaten road, which was crush'd under foot, or devoured by the birds. some fell upon very stony ground, which no sooner sprung up, but it wither'd away, for want of moisture: read more.
some fell among thorns; but the thorns over-grew it, and starv'd it. but some of the corn fell into good soil, and grew up, yielding a hundred grains for one. then raising his voice he concluded with these words, he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But his disciples having ask'd him the meaning of this parable; he answered, the secret circumstances of the divine dispensation may be clearly revealed to you, but to others only in parables, so that they don't observe what they see, nor comprehend what they hear. now the meaning of the parable is this: the seed sown signifies the word of God. by the beaten road is meant, they who only hear: the word, by the lurking wiles of the devil, being hinder'd from taking root in their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. by the stony ground is understood such persons as receive indeed the doctrines they hear, with joy: but for want of resolution, believe only occasionally, and desert when the trial comes. the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage. but by the good ground is meant such persons as have received the doctrine with simplicity and sincerity, abide by it, and practise it with perseverance. Now, no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel, or under a bed: but sets it on a stand, to give light to all the company. whatever is now obscure, shall hereafter be made clear; whatever is now conceal'd, shall then be publickly known. improve therefore what you hear: for he that improves what he has, shall have more; but he that does not, shall lose even that, which he thinks he possesses.
some fell among thorns; but the thorns over-grew it, and starv'd it. but some of the corn fell into good soil, and grew up, yielding a hundred grains for one. then raising his voice he concluded with these words, he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But his disciples having ask'd him the meaning of this parable; he answered, the secret circumstances of the divine dispensation may be clearly revealed to you, but to others only in parables, so that they don't observe what they see, nor comprehend what they hear. now the meaning of the parable is this: the seed sown signifies the word of God. by the beaten road is meant, they who only hear: the word, by the lurking wiles of the devil, being hinder'd from taking root in their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. by the stony ground is understood such persons as receive indeed the doctrines they hear, with joy: but for want of resolution, believe only occasionally, and desert when the trial comes. the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage. but by the good ground is meant such persons as have received the doctrine with simplicity and sincerity, abide by it, and practise it with perseverance. Now, no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel, or under a bed: but sets it on a stand, to give light to all the company. whatever is now obscure, shall hereafter be made clear; whatever is now conceal'd, shall then be publickly known. improve therefore what you hear: for he that improves what he has, shall have more; but he that does not, shall lose even that, which he thinks he possesses.
Kingdom of God » What the kingdom of God is likened to
Their attention being raised by this, Jesus pursued his discourse with a parable, occasion'd by their thinking, that, because he was advanc'd so nigh to Jerusalem, the kingdom of God would immediately commence. a nobleman, said he, was going to travel to a foreign country, in order to have his kingdom confirm'd to him at his return. and he called ten of his servants, to whom he deliver'd ten pounds: improve that, said he, till I return. read more.
but he being hated by the citizens, after he was gone, they sent a deputation to court, to make this protest, "we will not have him for our king." upon his return, being confirm'd king, he order'd the servants, he had trusted with the money, to appear, and inform him, what improvement each of them had made. the first came and said, Lord, your one pound has gained ten more. he answer'd, honest servant, that's well: since your industry has made so much of so little, I give you the government of ten cities. then the second came, and said, Lord, your pound has produc'd five more. his master replied, you shall be governor of five cities. but another came and said, Lord, here's your money, which I laid up safe in a napkin. for I was in fear of you, knowing you to be a hard master, who exact what you never gave, and reap where you have never sown. wicked slave, said he, from your own mouth will I convict thee. "you knew I was a hard master, exacting what I never gave, and reaping where I never sowed: " why then did you not lodge my money in the bank, that on my return I might have drawn it out with interest? then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten. but they objected, Lord, he has already ten pounds: I tell you, said he, that to every one who improves, more shall be given: and he that makes no improvement, shall be stript of what he has. as for those enemies of mine, who would not have me for their king, bring them here, and slay them in my presence.
but he being hated by the citizens, after he was gone, they sent a deputation to court, to make this protest, "we will not have him for our king." upon his return, being confirm'd king, he order'd the servants, he had trusted with the money, to appear, and inform him, what improvement each of them had made. the first came and said, Lord, your one pound has gained ten more. he answer'd, honest servant, that's well: since your industry has made so much of so little, I give you the government of ten cities. then the second came, and said, Lord, your pound has produc'd five more. his master replied, you shall be governor of five cities. but another came and said, Lord, here's your money, which I laid up safe in a napkin. for I was in fear of you, knowing you to be a hard master, who exact what you never gave, and reap where you have never sown. wicked slave, said he, from your own mouth will I convict thee. "you knew I was a hard master, exacting what I never gave, and reaping where I never sowed: " why then did you not lodge my money in the bank, that on my return I might have drawn it out with interest? then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten. but they objected, Lord, he has already ten pounds: I tell you, said he, that to every one who improves, more shall be given: and he that makes no improvement, shall be stript of what he has. as for those enemies of mine, who would not have me for their king, bring them here, and slay them in my presence.
For the kingdom of the Messiah is like a family, the master whereof went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. having agreed with them for a penny a day, he sent them to his vineyard. he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said to them, read more.
go ye likewise to my vineyard, and I will give you what is reasonable: accordingly they went thither. about the sixth and ninth hour he went out again, and gave the like directions. at last, about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said to them, why do you stand idling thus all day long? they answer'd him, because we are not hired; go work then. said he, in my vineyard, and I will give you what's reasonable. so when even was come, the master of the vineyard said to his steward, call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last to the first. they then that were hired about the eleventh hour, came and received every man his penny. last of all they came who were hired first, expecting to have received more, but they had only a penny a man, who upon the receipt of it fell a murmuring against the master, and cry'd, these last have work'd but an hour, and you put them upon the level with us, who have born the whole fatigue and heat of the day. but he answered one of them, friend, I do thee no wrong: did not you agree for a penny a day? take your due, and be gone: I will give the last the same I give you. can't I do what I will with my own? because I am bountiful, are you invidious? thus the last shall be first, and the first last: for though many are invited, few have precedence.
go ye likewise to my vineyard, and I will give you what is reasonable: accordingly they went thither. about the sixth and ninth hour he went out again, and gave the like directions. at last, about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said to them, why do you stand idling thus all day long? they answer'd him, because we are not hired; go work then. said he, in my vineyard, and I will give you what's reasonable. so when even was come, the master of the vineyard said to his steward, call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last to the first. they then that were hired about the eleventh hour, came and received every man his penny. last of all they came who were hired first, expecting to have received more, but they had only a penny a man, who upon the receipt of it fell a murmuring against the master, and cry'd, these last have work'd but an hour, and you put them upon the level with us, who have born the whole fatigue and heat of the day. but he answered one of them, friend, I do thee no wrong: did not you agree for a penny a day? take your due, and be gone: I will give the last the same I give you. can't I do what I will with my own? because I am bountiful, are you invidious? thus the last shall be first, and the first last: for though many are invited, few have precedence.
Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field: but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too. read more.
so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn. He propos'd another parable to them, which was this; the gospel-state is like a grain of mustard-seed which a man took to sow in his field. 'tis one indeed of the smallest grains: but when it is grown, it is the largest of the pulse kind, and becomes a tree: so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches. Another of his parables was this; the gospel-state is like unto leaven, which a woman took and mixt with three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables, and did not discourse to them without some parable. so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world." Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man: the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one: the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels. as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age. the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls: and meeting with one of great value, presently sells all that he has to make the purchase. Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish: when it is full, they drag it to shore, then sit down, and pick out the good to lay by, but throw the bad away. so it shall be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and after they have separated the wicked from the just, they shall cast the wicked into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to them, have ye understood all this? they reply'd, yes, Lord. then said he to them, thus every teacher who is instructed in the doctrine of the gospel, is like the master of a family, who taketh out of his treasure things new and old.
so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn. He propos'd another parable to them, which was this; the gospel-state is like a grain of mustard-seed which a man took to sow in his field. 'tis one indeed of the smallest grains: but when it is grown, it is the largest of the pulse kind, and becomes a tree: so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches. Another of his parables was this; the gospel-state is like unto leaven, which a woman took and mixt with three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables, and did not discourse to them without some parable. so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world." Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man: the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one: the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels. as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age. the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls: and meeting with one of great value, presently sells all that he has to make the purchase. Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish: when it is full, they drag it to shore, then sit down, and pick out the good to lay by, but throw the bad away. so it shall be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and after they have separated the wicked from the just, they shall cast the wicked into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to them, have ye understood all this? they reply'd, yes, Lord. then said he to them, thus every teacher who is instructed in the doctrine of the gospel, is like the master of a family, who taketh out of his treasure things new and old.
In this respect the gospel-kingdom may be represented by that of a temporal prince, who had a mind to call his servants to account. when he had begun to reckon, one was brought to him indebted the sum of ten thousand talents. but being insolvent, his lord gave orders that he, with his wife, and children, and all that he had, should be sold for payment. read more.
the servant therefore fell prostrate before him, and cry'd out, Lord, allow me but time and I will pay the whole. upon which the lord of that vassal, touch'd with compassion, gave him his liberty, and discharged him of the debt. but this very servant presently after met with one of his fellow-servants, who owed him an hundred pence: and violently seizing him, said, pay me the debt. and his fellow-servant fell at his feet, and embraced him, saying, allow me time, and I will pay thee all. which he would not allow: but immediately threw him into prison, till he should pay the debt. his fellow-servants upon seeing this were very much concern'd, and went to acquaint their master with what had pass'd. then his lord order'd him to be call'd, and said to him, O thou wicked slave, I forgave thee all thy debt, upon your request: should not you then have had the like compassion for thy fellow servant as I had for thee? so that his lord in great displeasure delivered him to the jayler till he should pay the whole debt. in the same manner will my heavenly father likewise treat you, if ye do not sincerely forgive every one the trespasses of his brother.
the servant therefore fell prostrate before him, and cry'd out, Lord, allow me but time and I will pay the whole. upon which the lord of that vassal, touch'd with compassion, gave him his liberty, and discharged him of the debt. but this very servant presently after met with one of his fellow-servants, who owed him an hundred pence: and violently seizing him, said, pay me the debt. and his fellow-servant fell at his feet, and embraced him, saying, allow me time, and I will pay thee all. which he would not allow: but immediately threw him into prison, till he should pay the debt. his fellow-servants upon seeing this were very much concern'd, and went to acquaint their master with what had pass'd. then his lord order'd him to be call'd, and said to him, O thou wicked slave, I forgave thee all thy debt, upon your request: should not you then have had the like compassion for thy fellow servant as I had for thee? so that his lord in great displeasure delivered him to the jayler till he should pay the whole debt. in the same manner will my heavenly father likewise treat you, if ye do not sincerely forgive every one the trespasses of his brother.
One of the company hearing that, said to him, happy is he that shall be entertain'd in the kingdom of God. upon which Jesus said, a certain man made a great entertainment; where many were invited. at supper-time he sent his servant to tell the guests to come, because every thing was ready. read more.
but they were all of a mind in making some excuse: the first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, which I must needs go and see: therefore pray excuse me. another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, which I am going to prove: I beg you to excuse me. another said, I have married a wife: 'tis therefore impossible for me to come. so the servant return'd, and related the whole matter to his master, who in resentment said to his servant, go immediately into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. at length the servant said, sir, your orders have been executed, and still there is room. the master reply'd, go then to the high-ways and by-paths, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full. for I tell you that not one of those, who were invited, shall taste of my supper.
but they were all of a mind in making some excuse: the first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, which I must needs go and see: therefore pray excuse me. another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, which I am going to prove: I beg you to excuse me. another said, I have married a wife: 'tis therefore impossible for me to come. so the servant return'd, and related the whole matter to his master, who in resentment said to his servant, go immediately into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. at length the servant said, sir, your orders have been executed, and still there is room. the master reply'd, go then to the high-ways and by-paths, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full. for I tell you that not one of those, who were invited, shall taste of my supper.
The kingdom of the Messiah will then be such, as when ten virgins took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. five of them were wise, and five were foolish. they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: read more.
but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. while the bridegroom tarried, they were drowsy and slept. and at midnight there was a sudden cry, see the bridegroom comes; go and meet him. then the virgins all arose, and trimmed their lamps. and the foolish said to the wise, give us of your oil, for our lamps are going out. but the wise answered, for fear there should not be enough for us and you, go rather to those that sell; and buy for your selves. and while they were gone to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready, entred with him into the hall, and the door was shut. afterwards came the other virgins likewise, and cry'd, Lord, Lord, pray let us in. but he answered, I assure you, I know you not. watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour. So it was when a man was going to travel into a foreign country, he called his servants, and delivered to them his stock: to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his respective ability, and then set out on his journey. now he that had received five talents, immediately employed them in trade, and gain'd five talents more. so he that had received two, gained likewise other two. but he that had received one, went to dig a hole in the ground, and hid his lord's money. after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. accordingly he that had received five talents, came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered to me five talents: besides those, there's five talents more, which I have gain'd. his lord said to him, well done, thou art an honest faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust; go in and partake of thy master's diversions. he also that had received two talents, came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: here are two other talents which I have gain'd besides them. his lord said to him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust: go in and partake of your master's joy. then came he who had received the one talent, and said, Lord, I knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered: fear made me hide the talent under ground: but there you have what is your own. his lord answered and said unto him, thou vile slothful wretch, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not scatter'd: should not you then have lodged my money at the banker's, and so at my return I should have received my own with interest. here, take the talent from him, and give it to him that has the ten. for he that makes use of what he has, shall have more; but if he makes no improvement thereof, it shall be taken from him. take then that worthless fellow, turn him out in the dark, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. while the bridegroom tarried, they were drowsy and slept. and at midnight there was a sudden cry, see the bridegroom comes; go and meet him. then the virgins all arose, and trimmed their lamps. and the foolish said to the wise, give us of your oil, for our lamps are going out. but the wise answered, for fear there should not be enough for us and you, go rather to those that sell; and buy for your selves. and while they were gone to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready, entred with him into the hall, and the door was shut. afterwards came the other virgins likewise, and cry'd, Lord, Lord, pray let us in. but he answered, I assure you, I know you not. watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour. So it was when a man was going to travel into a foreign country, he called his servants, and delivered to them his stock: to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his respective ability, and then set out on his journey. now he that had received five talents, immediately employed them in trade, and gain'd five talents more. so he that had received two, gained likewise other two. but he that had received one, went to dig a hole in the ground, and hid his lord's money. after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. accordingly he that had received five talents, came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered to me five talents: besides those, there's five talents more, which I have gain'd. his lord said to him, well done, thou art an honest faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust; go in and partake of thy master's diversions. he also that had received two talents, came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: here are two other talents which I have gain'd besides them. his lord said to him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust: go in and partake of your master's joy. then came he who had received the one talent, and said, Lord, I knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered: fear made me hide the talent under ground: but there you have what is your own. his lord answered and said unto him, thou vile slothful wretch, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not scatter'd: should not you then have lodged my money at the banker's, and so at my return I should have received my own with interest. here, take the talent from him, and give it to him that has the ten. for he that makes use of what he has, shall have more; but if he makes no improvement thereof, it shall be taken from him. take then that worthless fellow, turn him out in the dark, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
the kingdom of the Messiah is such, as when a certain king made a wedding-feast for his son. he sent out his servants to call those that were invited to the wedding: but they would not come. then he sent out other servants, saying, tell those who are invited, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and every thing is ready: come to the entertainment. read more.
but instead of showing any regard, they went their ways, one to his farm, another to his traffick. others seiz'd his servants, outrageously abused them, and slew them. when the king was informed of this, he was greatly incensed, and having order'd his forces to march, he put those murderers to death, and laid their city in ashes. then he said to his servants, the feast is ready, but they who were invited were very unworthy. go therefore into the high streets, and as many as ye find, invite to the marriage: accordingly they went about the streets, and assembled all they met indifferently, both good and bad: so that the hall was furnished with guests. but upon the king's coming in to see the guests, he observ'd one there without a wedding garment: and he said to him, friend, how came you in hither, without a wedding garment? and he was speechless. then said the king to the servants, bind him hand and foot, take him away, and turn him out in the dark: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. thus many are called, but few are converted.
but instead of showing any regard, they went their ways, one to his farm, another to his traffick. others seiz'd his servants, outrageously abused them, and slew them. when the king was informed of this, he was greatly incensed, and having order'd his forces to march, he put those murderers to death, and laid their city in ashes. then he said to his servants, the feast is ready, but they who were invited were very unworthy. go therefore into the high streets, and as many as ye find, invite to the marriage: accordingly they went about the streets, and assembled all they met indifferently, both good and bad: so that the hall was furnished with guests. but upon the king's coming in to see the guests, he observ'd one there without a wedding garment: and he said to him, friend, how came you in hither, without a wedding garment? and he was speechless. then said the king to the servants, bind him hand and foot, take him away, and turn him out in the dark: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. thus many are called, but few are converted.
Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? for there is nothing conceal'd but what shall be made manifest: nor was any thing kept secret, but in order to be divulged. if any man have ears to hear, let him hear. read more.
And consider, said he, how you hear; for in proportion as you weigh what is communicated to you, new light shall be given: for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has. Again, he said, the state of the gospel is like that of the grain, which a man sows in his land: however he takes his repose by night, or is employ'd by day, the grain shoots up and grows without his inspection. for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. but as soon as the fruit is ripe, the sickle is applied, because the harvest is come. Again he said, to what shall we compare the state of the gospel? or by what parable shall we represent it? it is like a grain of mustard-seed, which when sown in the earth, is less than any other grain that is sown there. but after it is sown, it grows up, and becometh larger than other plants of the pulse kind, and shooteth out its branches so high, that the fowls of the air may lodge under its shadow. Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity. his stile in publick was figurative, but he explain'd every thing to his disciples in private.
And consider, said he, how you hear; for in proportion as you weigh what is communicated to you, new light shall be given: for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has. Again, he said, the state of the gospel is like that of the grain, which a man sows in his land: however he takes his repose by night, or is employ'd by day, the grain shoots up and grows without his inspection. for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. but as soon as the fruit is ripe, the sickle is applied, because the harvest is come. Again he said, to what shall we compare the state of the gospel? or by what parable shall we represent it? it is like a grain of mustard-seed, which when sown in the earth, is less than any other grain that is sown there. but after it is sown, it grows up, and becometh larger than other plants of the pulse kind, and shooteth out its branches so high, that the fowls of the air may lodge under its shadow. Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity. his stile in publick was figurative, but he explain'd every thing to his disciples in private.
Then he said, what does the kingdom of God resemble? to what shall I compare it? it is like a grain of mustard-seed, which a man took, and sowed in his garden: it grew, and became so large, that the birds of the air built their nests in its boughs. again he said, to what shall I compare the kingdom of God? read more.
it is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leaven'd.
it is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leaven'd.
Manifestation » What shall be manifested
therefore suspend your judgment till the Lord comes, who will bring to light the secrets of darkness, and expose the counsels of mens hearts: and then shall every man have his due reward from God.
Verse Concepts
on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory.
Verse Concepts
Of this number are they, who insinuate themselves into families, to make a prey of the weaker sex, who are inveigled by their vitious suggestions, abetted by their own subtle passions, and by lending an assiduous ear to such lessons, render it impossible they should ever be acquainted with the truth. Moses did not meet with greater opposition from Jannes and Jambres, than truth does from men so corrupted in their mind, and so adulterated in their faith. read more.
but they will be stop'd in their career; for they shall be expos'd to the world for impostors, as those magicians were.
but they will be stop'd in their career; for they shall be expos'd to the world for impostors, as those magicians were.
Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? for there is nothing conceal'd but what shall be made manifest: nor was any thing kept secret, but in order to be divulged.
fear them not therefore: for there is nothing hid that shall not be revealed; or secret that shall not be made known. what I tell you in private, declare it in publick: and what is whisper'd in the ear, proclaim from the battlements of the house.
Now, no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel, or under a bed: but sets it on a stand, to give light to all the company. whatever is now obscure, shall hereafter be made clear; whatever is now conceal'd, shall then be publickly known. improve therefore what you hear: for he that improves what he has, shall have more; but he that does not, shall lose even that, which he thinks he possesses.
for there is nothing conceal'd, which shall not be disclos'd; nothing secret, which shall not be made publick. whatever you have utter'd in the dark, shall be brought to light: and what you have whisper'd in a closet, shall be proclaim'd upon the house top.
according to the free gift of God bestowed upon me, I, as a skilful architect, have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. but let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. for no one can lay any other foundation, than what is laid, which is, that Jesus is the Messias. now if upon this foundation somebody builds gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble: he that builds such work, read more.
will be expos'd. for the time of tryal will show it: it shall be discovered by the fire, which will put each sort of work to the test.
will be expos'd. for the time of tryal will show it: it shall be discovered by the fire, which will put each sort of work to the test.
Measure » Bushel
and when men light a lamp, they do not put it under a bushel: but on the stand, to give light to all the family.
Verse Concepts
Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand?
Verse Concepts
However, when a man has once lighted his lamp, he does not hide it in a by-place, or under a bushel; but sets it on a stand, that all who come in may have light.
Verse Concepts
Parables » Parables of Christ » Lighted candle
However, when a man has once lighted his lamp, he does not hide it in a by-place, or under a bushel; but sets it on a stand, that all who come in may have light. the eye is the light of the body: if therefore your eye be clear, every member of your body will have the benefit of the light: but if it be spoil'd, they must all rest in darkness. take care therefore, that the light which is in thee do not become darkness. read more.
for if thy whole body be enlightned, and no part dark, your whole conduct will be regulated, just as the light of a lamp directs all your motions.
for if thy whole body be enlightned, and no part dark, your whole conduct will be regulated, just as the light of a lamp directs all your motions.
Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand?
Verse Concepts
Sermon » Beside lake galilee
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side. and there was so great a croud of people got about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a bark, where he sat, while the people all stood on the shore. Then he talk'd to them much in parables, and said, a sower went out to sow. read more.
and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up: another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it. but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." but happy are you that your eyes have sight; and that your ears have their hearing. for I declare unto you, that many prophets and just men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen it: and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard it. Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure: but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses. he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful: but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another. Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field: but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too. so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn. He propos'd another parable to them, which was this; the gospel-state is like a grain of mustard-seed which a man took to sow in his field. 'tis one indeed of the smallest grains: but when it is grown, it is the largest of the pulse kind, and becomes a tree: so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches. Another of his parables was this; the gospel-state is like unto leaven, which a woman took and mixt with three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables, and did not discourse to them without some parable. so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world." Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man: the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one: the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels. as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age. the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls: and meeting with one of great value, presently sells all that he has to make the purchase. Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish: when it is full, they drag it to shore, then sit down, and pick out the good to lay by, but throw the bad away. so it shall be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and after they have separated the wicked from the just, they shall cast the wicked into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to them, have ye understood all this? they reply'd, yes, Lord. then said he to them, thus every teacher who is instructed in the doctrine of the gospel, is like the master of a family, who taketh out of his treasure things new and old.
and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up: another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it. but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." but happy are you that your eyes have sight; and that your ears have their hearing. for I declare unto you, that many prophets and just men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen it: and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard it. Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure: but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses. he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful: but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another. Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field: but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too. so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn. He propos'd another parable to them, which was this; the gospel-state is like a grain of mustard-seed which a man took to sow in his field. 'tis one indeed of the smallest grains: but when it is grown, it is the largest of the pulse kind, and becomes a tree: so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches. Another of his parables was this; the gospel-state is like unto leaven, which a woman took and mixt with three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables, and did not discourse to them without some parable. so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world." Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man: the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one: the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels. as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age. the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls: and meeting with one of great value, presently sells all that he has to make the purchase. Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish: when it is full, they drag it to shore, then sit down, and pick out the good to lay by, but throw the bad away. so it shall be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and after they have separated the wicked from the just, they shall cast the wicked into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to them, have ye understood all this? they reply'd, yes, Lord. then said he to them, thus every teacher who is instructed in the doctrine of the gospel, is like the master of a family, who taketh out of his treasure things new and old.
then he addressed himself to them in many parables, and thus began his instructions. give your attention to what I say, a sower went out to sow: as he sowed, some of the seed happened to fall by the wayside, which the birds light upon, and devoured. read more.
some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it soon sprang up, for want of a sufficient depth of earth. but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choaked it, so that it yielded no fruit. but part of it fell on good ground, which sprang up, and grew so fruitful, that some grains produced thirty, others sixty, and some an hundred. he that hath ears to hear, said he, let him hear. And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable. he answered, you are admitted into the secret of the gospel-dispensation: but to unbelievers every thing is couch'd in parables; because, tho' they see, they will not perceive, and tho' they hear they will not understand: as if they were afraid of parting with their vices, in order to be pardoned. but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest? the sower is he that soweth the word. they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. in like manner, they who receive seed on stony-ground, are such as upon hearing the word, do immediately receive it with joy. but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt. as for those, who receive seed as among thorns: they are such as hear the word. but the cares of this life, the deceitful love of riches, and a crowd of different passions, stifle the word, and it becomes unfruitful. they who receive seed as on good ground, are such as hear the word and entertain it, and bring forth fruit, some in one degree, and some in another. Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? for there is nothing conceal'd but what shall be made manifest: nor was any thing kept secret, but in order to be divulged. if any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And consider, said he, how you hear; for in proportion as you weigh what is communicated to you, new light shall be given: for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has. Again, he said, the state of the gospel is like that of the grain, which a man sows in his land: however he takes his repose by night, or is employ'd by day, the grain shoots up and grows without his inspection. for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. but as soon as the fruit is ripe, the sickle is applied, because the harvest is come. Again he said, to what shall we compare the state of the gospel? or by what parable shall we represent it? it is like a grain of mustard-seed, which when sown in the earth, is less than any other grain that is sown there. but after it is sown, it grows up, and becometh larger than other plants of the pulse kind, and shooteth out its branches so high, that the fowls of the air may lodge under its shadow. Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity.
some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it soon sprang up, for want of a sufficient depth of earth. but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choaked it, so that it yielded no fruit. but part of it fell on good ground, which sprang up, and grew so fruitful, that some grains produced thirty, others sixty, and some an hundred. he that hath ears to hear, said he, let him hear. And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable. he answered, you are admitted into the secret of the gospel-dispensation: but to unbelievers every thing is couch'd in parables; because, tho' they see, they will not perceive, and tho' they hear they will not understand: as if they were afraid of parting with their vices, in order to be pardoned. but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest? the sower is he that soweth the word. they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. in like manner, they who receive seed on stony-ground, are such as upon hearing the word, do immediately receive it with joy. but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt. as for those, who receive seed as among thorns: they are such as hear the word. but the cares of this life, the deceitful love of riches, and a crowd of different passions, stifle the word, and it becomes unfruitful. they who receive seed as on good ground, are such as hear the word and entertain it, and bring forth fruit, some in one degree, and some in another. Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? for there is nothing conceal'd but what shall be made manifest: nor was any thing kept secret, but in order to be divulged. if any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And consider, said he, how you hear; for in proportion as you weigh what is communicated to you, new light shall be given: for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has. Again, he said, the state of the gospel is like that of the grain, which a man sows in his land: however he takes his repose by night, or is employ'd by day, the grain shoots up and grows without his inspection. for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. but as soon as the fruit is ripe, the sickle is applied, because the harvest is come. Again he said, to what shall we compare the state of the gospel? or by what parable shall we represent it? it is like a grain of mustard-seed, which when sown in the earth, is less than any other grain that is sown there. but after it is sown, it grows up, and becometh larger than other plants of the pulse kind, and shooteth out its branches so high, that the fowls of the air may lodge under its shadow. Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity.